Ottawa, Ontario — Members of the media are invited to attend a virtual announcement with the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, MP Michael McLeod, Northwest Territories Minister R. J. Simpson and Aurora College President Andy Bevan to make an announcement on proposed investments in post-secondary education in the territory.

There will be a media availability following the announcement. Journalists who would like to participate in the Zoom event should notify RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca.

A new Tłı̨chǫ community exhibit ‘Treaty 11 – 100 years’ is now on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of Chief Mǫwhì signing the treaty in Behchokǫ̀, NT, on August 22, 1921.

The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed during regular operating hours at the PWNHC. An official opening will take place on July 16, 2021 at the PWNHC. The event is open to the public and will include a Feeding of the Fire Ceremony and remarks, followed by tea and bannock.

R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), met with education leaders on June 22, 2021 to discuss the upcoming school year, and provide updates on key education initiatives to improve student outcomes in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The Government of the Northwest Territories has amended the Employment Standards Act and Regulations to provide protection to NWT workers and flexibility to employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies. These changes come into effect July 1, 2021.

These changes include the establishment of Emergency Leave, which provides job protection to NWT workers by allowing them to access unpaid leave when they are unable to perform their duties because of an emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Two grants that were introduced in 2020 to assist students with additional expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Eligible students can access:

• COVID-19 Technology Grant:  a one-time grant of $750 to assist with cost of purchasing technology equipment;
• COVID-19 Support Grant: a monthly grant of $100 to assist with additional costs, such as internet fees.

Applications for Student Financial Assistance (SFA) are due by June 30, 2021.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), the Premiers of Canada Council of the Federation, and the NWT Literacy Council are pleased to be accepting nominations for the annual NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards. These awards provide an opportunity to honour the literacy achievements of youth and adult learners, exceptional educators, and organizations and businesses across the territory. 

Up to nine literacy awards may be given each year, including eight Ministerial Literacy Awards and the Premiers of Canada Council of the Federation of Literacy Award for the NWT.

Premier Caroline Cochrane, Health and Social Services Minister, Julie Green and Education, Culture and Employment Minister, R.J. Simpson issued the  following statement on the recent COVID-19 outbreak at N.J. Macpherson and the Government of the Northwest Territories’ response:

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, R.J. Simpson, is pleased to announce the names of the recipients inducted into the 2020 Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle on March 2, 2021.

Recipients are recognized and respected in their communities for leadership, participation and significant contributions to the arts, culture and heritage. By category, the recipients for the 2020 Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle are:

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R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), met with education leaders on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 to discuss several priority initiatives.